Local coach, players to participate in all-star game

Lee Ozmint saw some all-star action as a football player and now has a chance to see one through a coach’s eyes.

The Glencoe High head football coach will be a North assistant coach for the North/South All-Star high school football game on July 18 in Montgomery.

Ozmint attended C.L. Hanna (N.C.) High and played in the North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl. Then while playing for the University of Alabama, he went to Tokyo to play in the Japan Bowl.

“It is a great experience anytime you’re in an all-star game,” he said. “It’s not about winning – not until you hit the field, anyway. It’s more about meeting other players and getting to absorb a little more football knowledge. It’s a unique experience.”

Ozmint will be in charge of the defensive line unit. He said the coaching staff has already met three times and will meet once more before the All-Star Week begins.

“It’s a privilege and honor to coach with these other guys,” Ozmint said. “They’re all very respected and some of the best coaches in Alabama.”

On a side note, Hanna High is the school made famous by the movie, “Radio.” Also, Hall of Fame Boston Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice attended Hanna.

One of Ozmint’s Yellow Jackets – 6-2, 265 pound offensive lineman Scott Bradley – will play in the all-star game.

“Coach (Ozmint) called and asked if I wanted to play in it and I immediately said yes,” Bradley said. “I’m excited about the opportunity. I kind of thought that it was an automatic thing to say yes.”

There are only seven offensive linemen on the North team, so there should be plenty of playing time.

“I’m ready to play,” Bradley said. “It’s going to be an awesome experience.”

Two Gadsden City players – 6-2, 200 pound linebacker Blake Worthy and 5-9, 160 pound wide receiver LaGerald Malone – were also selected to play in the game.

Worthy, however, can’t attend as he is already attending college and cannot miss class. Attempts to reach Malone were unsuccessful by press time.